What to Do When Your Favourite Luxury All-Inclusive Feels Out of Reach, by Gilly Bachelor, Travel Expert
Ikos Resorts have long been the number one choice for so many of my clients — couples, families and multi-generational groups alike. And it isn’t hard to see why. The winning formula? Elegant modern styling, genuinely outstanding service, and an all-inclusive concept that truly feels luxurious: à la carte dining, branded drinks, 24-hour room service, excellent kids’ clubs and even a Tesla to explore the local area.
And for me, it’s personal too. Our son got married at Ikos Olivia so it will always have a special place in our hearts. Before the grandchildren were in school, it was our favourite family retreat — a chance to relax, recharge and create the most wonderful memories together.
But let’s be honest… the price has crept up.
Especially during school holidays, costs can feel eye-watering. For summer 2026, a 7-night stay at Ikos Olivia in a one-bedroom family suite with flights can start around £12,000 for a family of four. And popular properties like Ikos Dassia or Ikos Aria can easily exceed this for peak summer dates.
I completely understand the dilemma — and you’re not alone. A recent survey found that 7 in 10 Brits are actively looking for ways to cut holiday costs. And I hear it from clients all the time:
“We love Ikos, but we just can’t make it work this year.”
The good news: there are ways to keep the Ikos magic, or find something beautifully similar.
Nothing is quite like Ikos — but with smart planning, there are ways to make it more affordable, or to find carefully chosen alternatives that still deliver genuine luxury.
Here are my top, practical tips:
- Book as early as possible
Ikos usually opens bookings around 16–18 months ahead, and the best-value family suites and entry-level rooms sell quickly. Early booking discounts of around 10–15% often apply — these disappear as the hotel fills. - Be flexible on travel dates
Even shifting your stay by a few days — like flying midweek instead of Saturday–Saturday, or coming home a day before the last Friday of the holidays — can save hundreds on both flights and hotel rates. - Choose the best-value Ikos properties
We often find Ikos Oceania is the most competitively priced within the group, but right now we’re also seeing very encouraging prices for the brand-new Ikos Kissamos in Crete. For example, May half-term (Whit week) starts from around £5,000 for a family of three — a huge saving compared to the main summer weeks. - Look at shoulder weeks
If your children’s school breaks up earlier in July or goes back later in September, those weeks can cost thousands less. Similarly, May half-term or the very end of August often come in far cheaper than early/mid August.
Open to alternatives? You do have options
If you’re willing to look beyond Ikos, I’ve carefully researched and handpicked a list of genuinely five-star all-inclusive resorts across Greece, Turkey and Spain that still offer:
✔️ À la carte dining (not just buffets)
✔️ Branded or premium drinks
✔️ Family suites and kids’ clubs
✔️ Stylish design and attentive service
Yet often saving £4,000–£8,000 compared to Ikos for the same school holiday week.
These aren’t budget hotels — they’re still quality resorts where you can expect a beautiful setting, delicious food and the little touches that make a holiday feel special.
The bottom line
Ikos really is special — I feel that deeply myself — but it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing choice. Whether you choose to stay loyal to Ikos or explore carefully selected alternatives, my role is to help you keep the luxury and the memories — while making sure you get the very best value for your money.